Coventry students have back-combed their hair and donned their blue suede shoes for a high volume rendition of the hit musical Hairspray on 6, 7 and 8 July.

The story of Tracy Turnblad, a big-haired teenage ‘wanna-be’ whose dream is to dance on national TV, will be brought to life by 44 talented young people from Grace Academy Coventry.

As the story of Tracy’s stand on equality unfolds, students will perform 60s-style smash hits from the musical including ‘Good Morning Baltimore’, Big, Blonde and Beautiful’, and ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’.

Explaining why they chose to perform Hairspray which is a musical commentary on the injustices of American society in the 1960s, Coventry schoolteacher Louise Kennedy explained: “We liked the music and the message about the fight against racism, and Tracy Turnblad’s role as a pioneer for integration and looking at people for who they are, not the colour of their skin.

“Giving students the opportunity to work together and perform, really helps to improve their skills in the arts and drama, learn self-discipline, take direction and work as part of team.”

The show will be performed at Grace Academy Coventry, Wigston Road, CV2 2RH on 6, 7 and 8 July, starting at 7pm, and tickets are available by emailing: coventryreception@graceacademy.org.uk